2025-26 school budget development underway

On February 5, 2025, Superintendent Lauren Crisman and Finance Director Philene Hudson presented a draft plan for the 2025-26 school year budget to the Fort Plain Board of Education.

The budget proposal preserves all academic programs and staffing, and includes funding to ensure our schools are safe and welcoming places for students and staff to learn, work and grow.

“This year’s budget provides support for initiatives that align with our enduring goals.  We continue to think creatively about how we can best serve our community’s youth and provide them with an education and enriching experiences that prepare them for the future.”

Items under consideration in the draft 2025-26 budget include:

• The purchase of curricular materials that align with the statewide literacy initiative and will support each of our students in gaining proficiency with essential English Language Arts (reading, writing and communication.)
• Continuation of funding for BOCES services to support our students. For 2025-26, this will include the reintegration into the Distance Learning Consortium, which offers our high school students the opportunity to participate virtually with expanded and unique coursework and advance placement offerings.
• Support for experiential learning opportunities in the region to promote career exploration.

Voters will also consider a proposition to purchase three school buses (one 72-passenger and two 24-passenger) for approximately $400,000 as part of the district’s continual renewal of its transportation fleet. This would be paid for from bus purchase and capital reserve funds and will have no impact on the 2025-26 tax levy.

Proposed 2025-26 budget: At-a-Glance

The total for the draft budget is now $24,000,000 with anticipated revenue from all sources equaling this amount.

The proposed spending plan carries a tax levy increase of 1.00%, which remains below the district’s state calculated limit or “cap” of 5.15%.

The proposed budget would increase September school tax bills by an estimated* $10.87 for those with a property assessed at $100,000 and basic STAR – and – $3.90 for property owners with Enhanced Star.

*Calculations are based on prior year assessed values and equalization rates and subject to change.

Upcoming budget presentation and vote

The budget development process will continue through the spring with opportunities for the public to learn more.

The next presentation to the Board of Education on the 2025-26 budget is April 10.

A public hearing on the proposed 2025-26 budget will take place at 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, in the District Office Conference Room, 25 High Street, Fort Plain, NY.

The school budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 20, from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in the Harry Hoag Elementary School Library at 25 High St., Fort Plain, NY.

At that time, district residents will also vote on two open seats on the school board. Board of Education petitions are now being accepted. Contact District Clerk Becky Smith for more information, 518-993-4000 ext. 1000.

Additional information about the annual budget process, including budget presentations, voting and tax information, can be found on the Budget page of our website.